Gina Bowne said the snow near her crosswalk hadn't been shoveled, forcing kids to walk on the street.
RUNNEMEDE -- A local crossing guard with 16 years on the job was suspended for two days after she texted the mayor about getting some snow removed.
Gina Bowne was working at an intersection near Bingham School Monday and said the snow hasn't been shoveled on one side of the street, forcing kids to walk on the street.
She texted Mayor Nick Kappatos to let him know about the problem, and he responded that he would take care of it, according to a report by 6 ABC.
Bowne told the news station she was suspended because she was insubordinate by texting the mayor and breaking the chain of command.
Kappatos said he forward the message to police and public works.
Runnemede Police did not comment directly on Bowne's suspension, but released a statement on the department's Facebook page.
"The Borough of Runnemede and the Runnemede Police Department have in place specific procedures employees are required to follow to report situations they believe may constitute a threat to the health, welfare, or safety of the general public or themselves," it read. "These procedures enable the Borough of Runnemede to provide a proper, coordinated, emergency response to situations as quickly as possible. Employees are instructed as to these procedures and their obligation to follow them."
Residents told 6 ABC they felt Bowne was being treated unfairly. A petition supporting her is expected to be given to borough council next week, according to the report.
Alex Young may be reached at ayoung@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.